First Look: The Park at Wrigley

On the heels of a much-celebrated World Series baseball win, one that many fans waited a lifetime for, this season the Chicago Cubs are giving back more than just a trophy to their Northside home. Directly outside Wrigley Field, in what was once a coal shipping yard turned parking lot, a new office building and public park now stand.

The transformation, years in the making, was led by Stantec’s Chicago office. With a goal of creating a vibrant public plaza full of activity year round, the design team drew inspiration from some of the world’s great civic plazas, such as the Place des Vosges in Paris, and Chicago’s own Millennium Park, both notable gathering places.

“When we first dreamt about what the plaza could be, we wanted it to be more than just a walkway people pass through on game day,” said Grace Rappe, principal designer, Stantec. “We wanted to create a park for memories, a place for the community to gather and thrive.”

The approximately 39,000 SF Park at Wrigley features food and beverage respites at street level and ample green space for activities and community events, including a farmers’ market and outdoor movies in the park. Tiered seating is nested between large-scale planters along the perimeter to enclose the plaza and create intimacy. A centrally located water feature serves as an interactive focal point, and brick paved pathways strategically direct foot traffic toward the newly unveiled West Gate for entry and egress.

The new Park at Wrigley and office building are the latest elements of a multi-year $500 million restoration of this historic sports venue. With a commitment to maintaining the character and tradition of one of America’s most beloved ballparks, Stantec architects have also had a lead design role in other aspects of the restoration program, including the clubhouse, facade restorations, and bleacher seating enhancements.